Qld tourism operators demand more funds

The future of Queensland's tourism industry will play a key role in the state's March 24 election, Australia's peak tourism body says.

Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) boss John Lee says nearly a quarter of a million people around the state are employed in the sector.

"I don't mean to use a cliche but to quote from the movie Jerry Maguire, as an election is called it is industry sectors like ours that now say show us the money," Mr Lee told AAP.

He said it will be vital for both sides to put forward cogent policies and programs to make sure Queensland's iconic leisure coasts are foremost in the minds of Australians thinking of taking a holiday at home rather than tripping off to Indonesia or Malaysia.

"It is interesting that the alternative premier, Campbell Newman, stated very clearly last year that tourism and agriculture would be one of the four pillars that ensure Queensland's economic prosperity.

"While economic activity in Brisbane is going well, in regional parts of the state there are absolute signs that the GFC hasn't passed and the flatness of domestic leisure-based tourism is leading to real challenges for operators at the local level."

Mr Lee said Premier Anna Bligh has also recognised the importance of tourism.

"Let's also give credit where it's due, the current government has delivered a record budget for major events and cultural tourism."

The TTF chief said the battle to attract major events is no longer carried out just between the traditional rivals of Sydney and Melbourne but also Brisbane.

"I think structurally we have an issue in regional leisure tourism but again the Premier has joined us in seeking a new way with the federal government in ensuring the right tax treatment and the provision of incentives for local tourism operators."